WO2001097206A1

WO2001097206A1 - Touch screen system for drive through restaurants

Info

Publication number: WO2001097206A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/017887
Authority: WO
Inventors: Scott W. Johndrow; Erik Nord
Original assignee: Johndrow Scott W; Erik Nord
Priority date: 2000-06-09
Filing date: 2001-06-01
Publication date: 2001-12-20
Also published as: AU2001266664A1

Abstract

A touch screen system (12) for drive-through restaurants includes an apparatus and method whereby both hearing and deaf customers may place their orders by physically contacting touch-responsive visual icons (100, 102, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 106, 108, 111, 112, 115, 121, 132, 136, 138, 142, 151, 152, 154, 156, 158) embodied in the screen. The touch screen (12) provides multilingual communication between the customer and the franchise. Audio speakers (44) are also provided. The customer chooses between the touch screen system and the audio function, and then chooses a language preference. A series of user-friendly screen menus (64, 104, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150) each have a series of icons and a submenu or navigation menu for allowing the customer to make a choice from the menu in order and then confirm the order.

Description

TOUCH SCREEN SYSTEM FOR DRIVE THROUGH RESTAURANTS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to ordering devices and, _. in particular, to communications systems for use in business establishments .

BACKGROUND ART Numerous systems have been devised for providing enhanced communication for customers when making purchases at businesses. Over the years, some of the most significant advances in the art have centered around the implementation of intercom and computer technology with respect to these systems. However, none of the conventional techniques described hereinbelow presents a system and method specialized for assisting both hearing and deaf persons in making purchases at drive-through restaurants. For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,003,015, issued to Kang et al . , discusses an order confirmation system and method adapted for use with a point- of-sale terminal and an audio order confirmation station to facilitate customer throughput. The video order confirmation system and method includes a point of sales terminal for receiving order input information from an order taker in response to order requests from a customer, and a video confirmation order terminal to facilitate order confirmation by the customer. The order confirmation terminal includes a free standing terminal housing having a microprocessor and display unit mounted therein for translating order items entered by an order taker at the point-of- sales terminal into pixel images indicative of the description of the item ordered, the quantity of the item or items ordered, the unit price of the item ordered, the total price of the item or items ordered, and the accumulated total of all items ordered at any given time during the order process . For the purpose of protecting the display unit from vandalism, the system further includes a remote controlled motorized security shield that covers the display unit during nonbusiness hours.

U.S. Patent No. 5,896,129, issued to Murphy et al . , discloses a user friendly passenger interface including audio menuing for the visually impaired and closed captioning for the hearing impaired for an interactive flight entertainment system. In the preferred embodiment, passenger control handsets in Braille are utilized. Given inputs from the passenger through use of the passenger control handset, the keystrokes are transmitted to a seat electronics unit as keystroke signals and processed by a device driver. The device driver transmits the keystroke signals to the pre-existing user interface and to the present inventions 's audio menu module. For the audio menu module, the menu resource database makes available a file of various audio information corresponding to various passenger keystroke inputs. Once the appropriate passenger output information is retrieved from the menu resource database, the information is output to the passenger via a display device and a headset coupled to the seat electronics unit. A closed captioning capability is enabled when a passenger selects a closed captioning option icon on the screen of the display device. Once such selection is made, audio information is printed and displayed to the passenger on the screen of the display device. A touch screen user interface having graphical tab controls for paging is also provided.

U.S. Patent No. 5,910,800, issued to Shields et al . , presents a portable handheld computing device having a processor and a touch-sensitive display. The display includes a touch-sensitive area superimposed on a viewing area. The handheld computing device has an operating system which executes on the processor to provide a graphical user interface environment capable of presenting a plurality of on-screen controls that can be activated by tapping on them with a stylus. The operating system is configured to present a usage tip relating to a particular on- screen control when a user touches the display over the control for a predefined duration.

U.S. Patent No. 5,717,568, discloses a new telescoping drive- through menu system for improving the drive-through process by eliminating miscommunications that occur between the customer and the employee, and further providing a support which retracts the menu into a cavity, thereby protecting the menu from vandalism. The inventive device includes a vertical support which is telescoping, an activating pressure plate which detects when a vehicle is present, and a menu ordering system secured to the upper portion of the vertical support allowing entry of the desired order through a slanted keyboard.

U.S. Patent No. 5,844,506, issued to Binstead, discusses a multiple input proximity detector and touchpad system, which may include a keypad array, digitizing tablet, touch screen, and an electronic mouse. The invention is operable through a suitable dielectric medium, operating by capacitive effect and suitable for use as a computer interface in conjunction with a monitor screen or as a computer input device in a number of applications, for example, as a cash till keypad.

U.S. Patent No. 5,685,719, issued to Bressler, presents a computer assisted communication system for rehabilitating individuals suffering from speech impairment and minimal mobility in their upper extremities. The system utilizes an arm movement actuator attachment which is secured to the arm rest structure of the wheelchair through a rotatable arm support platform mounted on juxtaposed, upper and lower slide rod assemblies providing X- and Y-axis movement for the rotatable platform. U.S. Patent No. 5,649,480, issued to Yim, relates to a touch- readable product and associated process wherein the economic production of raised print characters such as Braille is achieved by a silk screen printing process, using a rotational printing machine in combination with high viscosity. U.S. Patent No. 4,675,515, issued to Lucero, discloses a system which is particularly adapted for use in drive-through, fast food establishments by which a patron makes his own selections and pays for th order with a credit card. The system includes a panel having a plurality of touch responsive switches each or several corresponding to a particular item, e.g., food, to be selected. The system recognizes the patron's credit card and account and, thereafter, the patron enters his/her selections at the panel. The selections are reproduced at, for example, the main building for filling of the order and may also be displayed at the panel for verification of the selections by the patron. After the order is complete, a credit voucher and receipt are generated at the panel and are provided to the patron. After the order is complete, a credit voucher and receipt are generated at the panel and are provided to the patron, and the account is debited in the amount of the order.

U.S. Patent No. 5,053,868, issued to Higgins et al . , discusses an apparatus for video intercommunication between a drive-through customer at the outdoor ordering station and the indoor order-taking clerk at the order processing station of a fast food restaurant . A first video camera is located at the food ordering station and positioned to electronically capture video images of an auto-borne customer while placing a food order. A second video camera is located at the order-taking station and positioned to electronically capture video images of the order processing clerk.

U.S. Patent No. 5,168,354, issued to Martinez et al . , discloses a communication system as set forth which is particularly suitable for a fast food drive-through restaurant by which the patron may maintain eye-to-eye visual contact with the attendant located within the restaurant while selecting his various food items .

U.S. Design Patent No. 321,724, issued to Casale et al . , illustrates an adjustable and retractable menu and order display unit for drive-in restaurants or the like. Japanese Patent (JP 2,211,082), granted to Eiji, an electric brake. And, finally, U.S. Design Patent No. 326,477, issued to Cunningham, depicts a customer operated visual responsive order stand for drive-through restaurants.

None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a touch screen system for drive-through restaurants . The system includes a touch screen terminal adapted for use by a customer. The touch screen terminal includes a plurality of screen embodied icons adapted to clickably generate signals. The signals include touch event signals corresponding to the selection of food items by the customer and touch event signals ^■ for confirming an order. The system has at least one transaction terminal for receiving the signals as order input information indicative of the customer's purchase of the food items. An interface electrically couples together the touch screen terminal and one or more transaction terminals to enable the transaction terminal to receive the signals. A source of power is provided for powering the system, the source of power being connected to the touch screen terminal . The system includes a means for processing the signals, including means for identifying the selections made, the price thereof, and for calculating a total charge for the selections. The system preferably includes software means for allowing selections to be made in a plurality of languages.

The invention also includes a multilingual method for taking and processing an order using the touch screen drive-through system. The method includes a step of manipulating by a customer of a touch screen interface with selective features. Another step is choosing by the customer between a touch screen function and an audio function. The customer chooses a language preference. The customer selects at least one food choice from a menu. The next step is confirming by the customer of a selective order to end a selective transaction. The order is transmitted to at least one kitchen facility employee, and filled by the kitchen facility employee .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a touch screen system for drive-through restaurants according to the present invention. Fig. 2 is a side view of the touch screen system for drive- through restaurants, according to the invention.

Fig. 3 is a front view of the screen of the touch screen system for drive-through restaurants, illustrating the welcoming screen, according to the invention. Fig. 4 is a front view of the screen of the touch screen system for drive-through restaurants, illustrating the menu for choice of languages, according to the invention. Fig. 5 is a front view of the screen of the touch screen system drive-through restaurants, illustrating the meals menu, according to the invention.

Fig. 6 is a front view of the screen of the touch screen system for drive-through restaurants, illustrating the drinks menu, according to the invention.

Fig. 7 is a front view of the screen of the touch screen system for drive-through restaurants, illustrating the side orders menu, according to the invention. Fig. 8 is a front view of the screen of the touch screen system for drive-through restaurants, illustrating the dessert menu, according to the invention.

Fig. 9 is a front view of the screen of the touch screen system for drive-through restaurants, illustrating the confirmation screen, according to the invention.

Fig. 10 is a block diagram of the touch screen system for drive-through restaurants, illustrating the relationship of the various subunits of the touch screen drive-through system, according to the invention. Fig. 11 is a block diagram of the method of the touch screen system for drive-through restaurants, according to the invention.

Fig. 12 is a block diagram of the method of the touch screen system for drive-through restaurants, further illustrating aspects of making selections using the system, according to the invention.

Fig. 13 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 14 is a side view of the embodiment of Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is an environmental, top view of the embodiment of Fig. 13.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a touch screen system for drive-through restaurants. The preferred embodiments of the invention are depicted in Figs. 1 - 15. The touch screen system is generally referenced by numeral 12.

Everyone has encountered the problem of placing an order at a noisy drive-through restaurant. The ordeal of struggling to communicate and understand drive-through franchise workers has become an almost universal part of the American experience . Complicating this situation is the fact that many drive-throughs are located near the noisiest and busiest intersections of American cities. Thus a longfelt need exists for a viable solution to this problem.

The touch screen system for drive-through restaurants according to the invention, comprises a system and method whereby both hearing and deaf persons may almost effortlessly place their orders at a restaurant drive-through. The apparatus of the invention employs touch sensitive screens which may include input devices placed over a video display, such as a sensor panel, or touch screen input devices incorporated into the monitor. The customers place their orders by physically contacting touch responsive visual icons embodied in the screen, the activation of which are translated as display coordinates to the operating system for determining a customer selection.

The present invention provides a system for allowing communication between a customer, an order receiver, a franchise kitchen, and the central office of the franchise, whereby limitations of language are no longer handicaps to the consumer, as well as the employees of the franchise. Through use of the touch screen system, a customer is able to experience a visual presentation of the appearance of the item to be ordered, preferably as part of an icon or other on-screen object, as well as graphical depictions of the price and quantity of each item ordered, including any taxes, which may be applied to the purchase. Furthermore, the customer is able to visually confirm the food order he or she has made, and, in the event of any entry error made during the order taking process, the customer is able to easily make changes in the order after detecting the error.

The touch screen system for drive-throughs 12 presents an important contribution to the art by providing a system whereby a user who is hearing-impaired, speech impaired, foreign speaking, physically impaired, elderly, or otherwise impaired in such a way as to negatively impact on their ability to communicate, may easily input food orders into the system 12 for processing. The menu hierarchy of the touch screen system 12, as well as the apparatus of the invention, are specially designed so as to be usable by both hearing and deaf persons . Touch screen systems are uniquely well suited for both deaf and hearing people because of their high visual resolution, especially at night and under dark conditions, and their ability to incorporate substantial graphics and symbolic representations as part of the screen and the icons embodied in the screen.

In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the invention includes a touch screen housing disposed adjacent the menu board. The housing comprises an operating system including software for displaying the items being sold on the monitor and sends the orders for those items to the appropriate franchise employees . The monitor securely encloses the touch screen. Audio speakers for communication between the customers and the drive through employees are provided so that the traditional speaker method will still be available for those that prefer placing their orders verbally. The choice may be made by selecting an appropriate icon, or the system may default to the speaker method if no selections are made on the touch screen. For example, the audio icon 102 may include a picture of an ear, while the touch icon 100 may include a picture of a hand with the fingertip highlighted. After presenting to the touch screen system and choosing between the touch screen function and the audio function, the customer chooses a language preference . The user is presented with a series of user-friendly screen menus, each menu comprising a series of icons which includes a submenu or navigation menu for allowing the customer to make access the various menus in any particular order and, through a similar process, finish or confirm the order.

The customers place their orders by physically contacting touch responsive visual icons embodied in the monitor screen. As represented in Fig. 10, the present invention provides a system

12 for allowing communication through a touch screen station 14 between a customer 18, an order receiver 20, a franchise kitchen 22, and the central office/database 24 of the franchise. Thus, the system 12 processes signals, passing touch event data through the network 26 (indicated in ghost lines) of the system 12 to a central database 24, where this information may be further processed and analyzed for business purposes and/or sent to the central or regional offices of the franchise. Either or both the touch screen station 14 and central office 24 may comprise means for processing touch event data signals for producing a response such as a change in the appearance of a visual icon on the screen (to indicate that a selection was made) or a change of menus. The means for processing may include means for identifying the selection made, the price thereof, and totalizing the totalized charge, as well as debiting the customer's account in the amount of the charge . A touch screen may be defined as a computer screen modified or designed to recognize the location of a touch on its surface. The basic touch screen comprises a grid of sensing lines, which senses the location of the touch by matching horizontal and vertical contacts. Other systems use embedded infrared light- emitting diodes with sensors or electrically charged surfaces. It should be understood that the specification encompasses any touch sensitive screen conventionally in use or commonly known in the art, wherein means are provided for detecting the location of a physical contact relative to a computer screen, as well as means for correlating that physical contact with the appropriate menu information.

Thus, the apparatus of the invention may also employ touch sensitive screens wherein input devices are placed over a video display, such as a sensor panel, as well as touch screen input devices incorporated into the monitor itself. Typically, touch sensitive screens comprise sensor panels designed to fit over a computer display means, a software driver, and a controller for processing signals from the sensor panel and passing touch event data to the computer system. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the customer 18 places his/her order by physically contacting touch responsive visual icons embodied in the screen, which contacts are translated to display coordinates, whereby the customer's menu selections may be determined. Because the operating system may include software for translating one language to another, such as English to Spanish or vice/versa, language differences will no longer be handicaps to the consumer 18, as well as to the employees, at 20 and 22, of the franchise. Through use of the touch screen system 12, a customer 18 is able to experience a visual presentation of the appearance of the item to be ordered, preferably in the form of a clickable icon or other on-screen object, as well as graphical depictions of the price and quantity of each item ordered, including any taxes, which may be applied to the purchase. Furthermore, the customer 18 is able to visually confirm the food order he or she has made, and, in the event of any entry error made during the order taking process, the customer 18 is able to easily make changes in the order after detecting the error. Referring now to Fig. 1, there is shown the touch screen drive-through system 12, which is constructed in accordance with the present invention, and which is illustrated as a drive-through 30, comprising a section of road 32 such as commonly found at a fast food restaurant. A menu or selection board 34, preferably having a- list of selections for purchase is shown standing near the touch screen housing 36, which contains the monitor 38 and associated electronics/hardware. In this regard, the touch screen drive-through system 12 enables a customer 18 in a vehicle 40 to extend his/her hand through the open window of his/her car 40 to sequentially touch the appropriate icons to make the order, which is to be followed by delivery of foods at the drive-through window (not shown) to the customer 18. Visual presentations of the appearance of the items for sale, as well as the price of each item ordered, may be represented on the menu board 34 and/or screen of the monitor 38.

Turning now to Fig. 2, the apparatus of the invention may be seen to include a touch screen housing 36 defining a base 39 extending upwardly from the ground with a transverse extension 42 projecting forward and slightly into the area over the drive 32 for access by a customer 18 from their vehicle 40. The extension 42 terminates at the front portion of the housing 36, also serving as a weather guard. The housing may also include a flashing light to alert customers that the drive-through person is working and to "go ahead." The housing may be adapted so the customer can extend it toward his vehicle, making the touch screen easier to reach. The tilt also may be adjustable for easy access.

The housing 36 securely protects computer hardware 46 and associated electronics for networking and for supporting an operating system including software for displaying images of the items being sold on the monitor 38, as well as means for sending the orders for those items inputted therein to the franchise employees, located at 20 and 22. Thus, the station 14 may be a stand-alone device, supplying the end results of processing the clients order - the final order itself - to the employees, at 20 and 22, and central office 24. And although the customer may choose to place their order in a certain language, when sent to the employee's terminal, the order will be written in the language of the employee reading the order.

The monitor 38, shown in silhouette, encloses the touch screen. The traditional speaker method will still be available for those that prefer placing their orders verbally in that audio speakers 44 for communication between the customers 18 and the drive through employees, located at 20 and 22, are also provided.

Conduit for protecting a supplemental power source as well as networking cable for communicating to the franchise is indicated at 50. The weatherproof, secure, vented housing 36 may also include an assembly and associated subhousing 52 for a back- up battery and security camera. Thus, the touch screen drive- through system 12 comprises networking as well as electrical access to the franchise main building and a source of back-up power if needed. Underground piping may supply the electrical wires that connect the drive-through system to the numerous areas inside the franchise. Additionally, protective glass to prevent vandalism, weather intrusion, and miscellaneous damages may be provided. Cemented bollards are indicated at 56 to comply with business coding requirements, as well as rubber protectors 58 on each base corner of the station 14 to protect the station 14 from being hit or rubbed against by vehicles 40.

To enable the transaction between the customer 18 and the establishment to be made on a credit basis, the customer 18 may be provided with a credit instrument in the form of an ATM or credit card. The card may be issued by the franchise or may be issued by a bank or other credit institution. To receive the card, the station 14 includes a means for reading and processing the card, such as a standard slot card reader and keypad 60. In conjunction with means for recognizing the credit instrument, the system 12 according to the present invention, may also include means for generating a transaction slip.

Figs. 13-15 show an alternative embodiment of the touch screen system. Similar reference numbers are used to show the corresponding parts of the touch screen system, as in Figs. 1-2. The embodiment of Fig. 13 includes a speaker 44 located above the monitor 38. Fig. 13 also shows the slot card reader and keypad below the monitor 38. This embodiment is a slimmer configuration with a smaller transverse extension, as shown in Fig. 14. Fig. 15 shows this embodiment in relation to the vehicle 40, the customer 18, and the menu board 34.

Turning now to the method 200 of the invention, Fig. 3 is a front view of the screen 62 of the touch screen system 12, illustrating the welcoming screen 64, according to the invention. As customers approach, they see the touch screen monitor 38 showing advertisements or welcoming messages, indicated at 70, for the franchise. Other items that can be on the welcome screen are franchise logos and advertisements of specials. If desired, the welcome screen can also include notices of community events, or information on charities in which the franchise has an interest; this can help to maintain good relations with the surrounding community. The customers will further have the option of using the touch screen or the audio speakers to aid in placing their orders to the franchise employees by clicking the touch 100 or audio 102 icon respectively.

The drive-through system will feature different options for the advertising needs of individual franchises. It may show the franchise's logo 72, advertisements of specials, awards, community messages, and charity events. On the bottom of each screen, the customer is presented with a user-friendly screen navigational menu 74, which includes individual menu icons, such as the meal icon 76, drink icon 78, side orders icon 80, and dessert icon 82, each icon being clickably connectible to a separate menu screen, shown in Figs. 5, 6, 7, and 8, respectively. It should be understood that for the purposes of the invention the term "click" and any grammatical variant thereof will be synonymous with physically touching or making contact with the screen so as to cause a touch event to occur. Again, touching the screen causes the touch event, which triggers data to be sent to the system to cause some event to happen, such as calling up a new screen.

As will be seen, each menu screen comprises additional navigation icons as part of a general navigational menu 74 : an arrow icon 84, a "next" icon 86, and either an "OK" 88 or "confirm order" 111 icon. The arrow icon 84, brings up any icons not currently visible on the navigational menu 74; for example, if the meals icon 76 is missing, clicking the arrow icon 84, will cause it to scroll up. Clicking the "next" icon 86 will cause any additional information not currently shown on the screens, which are logically a part of the screens but for lack of room or other reasons are not listed, to be called up; for example, in Fig. 4, additional language icons 106 could be brought up. The "OK" icon 88, merely takes the customer to the next screen in the menu hierarchy; more specifically the "OK" icon 88 takes the user from the screen 64 shown in Fig. 3 to the screen shown in Fig. 4 and from the screen shown in Fig. 4 to the screen shown in Fig. 5. And finally, clicking the "confirm order" icon 111 (seen in Figs. 5 - 9) brings up the confirm order screen 150, shown in Fig. 9 for confirming the calculated order. A "cancel" icon may also be included.

Thus, the clickable navigation menu 74 is for seamlessly allowing the customer to move to any menu (or submenu of a menu which may be accessed by clicking the "next" button or icon 86 for seeing additional selections such as condiments or made-to-order sandwiches) , and finish or confirm the order.

Fig. 4 is a front view of the next screen of the touch screen drive-through system, illustrating the choice of languages screen 104, according to the invention. The choice of English or other languages may be clickably accessed at this time through the language icons 106; for example, clicking icon 108 would allow the transaction to be presented in English. The software of the operating system will help foreign customers and employees from other countries understand transactions made through the system. The language specifications will be determined by each individual franchise. The language selection screen may include icons to select among the various categories of food items, such as meals or drinks. Alternatively, the selection among categories may be made from a separate screen, which can also include any advertised specials .

Fig. 5 is a front view of the screen of the touch screen drive-through system 12, illustrating the meals menu screen 110, according to the invention. When presented with this screen 110, the customer will be prompted to touch appropriate icons 112 on the monitor 38 in order to indicate what meal (s) they want to order. Likewise, on the succeeding screens, customers will be instructed to touch on different categories or food products they want to order. This process is most simply accomplished by seamlessly presenting the customer with whatever menu is clickably associated with the icons listed on the navigational menu 74. Additionally, in this regard, a customer in the process of placing an order may order various food and drink items illustrated by the images displayed on the screen: a hamburger icon, such as icon 115 on screen 110, or a food order image indicative of the food in question (the price of the food items being conveniently listed nearby) . The customer simply clicks the item to make a selection, and the computer will record the purchase. The screen may also include quantity icons, which the customer can touch to select multiples of the same item.

Fig. 6 is a front view of the drinks menu screen 120 of the touch screen drive-through, illustrating the drinks menu, according to the invention. The customer may continue with the order in progress by clicking a drink icon 121 such as for a cola. A submenu 123 for various drink sizes, as well as a miscellaneous drinks category 136 are also presented. Thus, quantities and sizes will also be accessible, which feature may be incorporated in any of the screens. In this regard, the computer will be updated to record the purchase. The previous subtotal tax and total price having been revised to provide a new subtotal.

Fig. 7 is a front view of the screen of the touch screen drive-through, illustrating the side orders menu screen 130, according to the invention. Again, the customer may continue with the order in progress by including a side item such as an ice cream or fries. For example, on this screen 130, a potato food order image 132 indicative of fries, as well as the associated price would be observed. A submenu for a group of miscellaneous icons 138, for example, toys, is also provided. Each foodstuff item is listed with its price. The touch screen again includes visual icon images showing or representing these products. Quantity icons may be included to order multiples of the same item. After the customer selects his/her choice, the previous subtotal tax and total price will be revised to provide a new subtotal by the system, to be shown on the confirmation screen in either line by line transaction, tabular form, or any other clear fashion for verification. Fig. 8 is a front view of the screen of the touch screen drive-through, illustrating the dessert menu screen 140, according to the invention. The customer may continue with the order in progress by including a dessert item such as a vanilla sundae, which might be indicated by the visual icon and associated "item 'A'" at 142. In this regard, the computer will be updated to record the purchase . The previous subtotal tax and total price having been revised to provide a new subtotal .

It should now be clear that, on each screen, the customer will have the opportunity to pick additional choices, or to end their transaction process. After the customer chooses an item, this information will be sent to terminals in the franchise's main building where the drive-through employees can receive and monitor orders. Networking will allow information to be sent to numerous outlets . Fig. 9 is a front view of the screen of the touch screen drive-through, illustrating the confirmation screen 150, according to the invention. Once the customer completes his order, the monitor 38 will display the selections allowing the customer the option of reviewing his order, as well as adding to the order or making an adjustment. A new subtotal by the system is shown on the confirmation screen for verification at 160. The customer finishes the order by clicking the "confirmed" icon 151. The next step would be the payment method where they have a choice of using cash (by clicking the cash icon 152) , franchise pre-paid cards

(icon 154) , credit cards (icon 156) , and debit cards (icon 158) .

Franchises may provide the customers with receipt or discount coupons. Alternative methods of payment are pre-paid franchise cards, credit cards, or debit cards. This alternative method of payment is similar to the "pay at the pump" method that many gas stations currently use. Networking machines will transfer the information from the touch screen monitor to the network database.

From the database the information will be sent to the drive- through employee's computer and the kitchen facility's computer, where the order will be presented in the language of the employee.

This transfer of information will speed up the drive-through process and eliminates mistakes.

The franchise pre-paid card can be used by the customer. A customer could buy cards in $5, $10, or $20 amounts and use them in the system in place of cash. This type of card also works well for promotions, gifts, and prizes.

Once the transaction is complete, the customers will be acknowledged with messages from the franchise such as "We appreciate your order" or "Thank you for coming to our franchise."

In order to provide complete information relative to the in process customer order, the screen further includes a subtotal price image which is indicative of a subtotal price of the total unit prices of all the food and drink items ordered by the customer; the customer may now motor to the pick up window to pick up their order. Within a few seconds the system will return to the welcoming screen for the next customer.

Another feature of the invention may be in charitable contributions. The system may include as part of its standard screens an opportunity for each customer to donate to a particular charity. A running total for all the contributions made at the location could be provided.

It should now be clearly apparent from the features of the apparatus, various embodiments of the invention may include an operational method, as depicted in Figs. 11 and 12. Fig. 11 shows the steps of the overall method 200 for taking and processing a drive-through food order using the touch screen drive-through system 12, the methods of the step comprising: (a) presenting to a touch screen (210) ;

(b) choosing between the touch screen function and the audio function (212) ;

(c) choosing a language preference (214) ; (d) making at least one choice from the menu (216) ;

(e) making an additional choice from the menu, if necessary (218) ;

(f ) confirming the order to end the transaction (220) ;

(g) transmitting the order to kitchen facility employees in their own language (222) ; and

(h) filling the order (224) . Referring again to Fig. 11, arrows 215, 225, 235, 245, 255, 265, 275, 285, 295, and 315 merely represent flow indicators in the method (200) from one step to the next step, as particularly shown in Fig. 3 - 9. Fig. 12 shows the operational steps of a part of the method 200 in greater detail, focusing on the actual selection process itself, the steps comprising:

(a) touching a first food icon (310) ;

(b) automatically re-presenting the menu of food choices (320) ;

(c) touching another food item icon, if desired (330) ;

(d) automatically re-presenting the menu again to the customer for any additional selections (340) ;

(e) confirming the order to end the transaction by touching the confirm order icon (350) ;

(f ) reviewing the order (360) ;

(g) making any adjustments to the order, including correcting the order (370) ; and,

(h) paying for the order and receiving the order (380) . Referring again to Fig. 12, arrows 315, 325, 335, 345, 355, 365, 375, 385, 395, 415 merely represent flow indicators in the method (200) from one step to the next step, as particularly shown.

The preferred embodiments of the invention provide a user- friendly touch screen system for restaurants . The touch screen system and method allow both hearing and deaf persons to easily place their orders at drive-through restaurants. T h i s i s particularly helpful for deaf persons in restaurants where the drive-through is open longer hours than the regular restaurant. The system helps deaf persons become more independent . Businesses are also helped to become deaf-friendly and compliant with the laws protecting disabled persons. In cases where the franchise is located in a noisy environment such as near a busy intersection, hearing customers may benefit as much as the hearing impaired. Foreign-speaking customers feel more comfortable by being able to arrange the transaction in their own language. In cases where the franchise employees do not speak the dominant language, the system can reduce costs and errors by presenting information in their language. These businesses will gain additional customers and increase profit . Accuracy is increased by allowing customers to view their order and make corrections. The system also gives the restaurant the ability to increase good will in the community by including appropriate pro-community messages or advertising community events.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the sole embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:

1. A touch screen system for drive-through restaurants, comprising:

(a) a touch screen terminal adapted for use by a customer, said touch screen terminal ' including a plurality of screen embodied icons adapted to clickably generate signals, said signals including touch event signals corresponding to the selection of food items by the customer and touch event signals for confirming an order;

(b) at least one transaction terminal for receiving said signals as order input information indicative of the customer's purchase of said food items; (c) an interface for electrically coupling together said touch screen terminal and said at least one transaction terminal to enable said at least one transaction terminal to receive said signals;

(d) a source of power for powering said system, said source of power being connected to said touch screen terminal; and

(e) a means for processing said signals, including means for identifying the selections made, the price thereof, and for calculating a total charge for said selections.

2. The touch screen system for drive-throughs of claim 1, wherein said system further comprises an audio communication system for facilitating communication between franchise personnel and the customer, said audio communication system including a speaker, said audio communication system being located proximate said touch screen terminal.

3. The touch screen system for drive-throughs of claim 1, wherein said system further comprises a housing for housing said touch screen terminal and for mounting said terminal in proper orientation to enable the customer to view transaction information displayed on said touch screen terminal.

4. The touch screen system for drive-throughs of claim 1, wherein said system further comprises means for receiving and reading a credit card and for transmitting customer account information stored on said credit card.

5. The touch screen system for drive-throughs of claim 1, wherein said system further comprises software means for allowing said selections to be made in a plurality of languages.

6. The touch screen system for drive-throughs of claim 1, wherein said source of power is electrical power, and said electrical power is carried through a conduit to said touch screen terminal .

7. A multilingual method for a taking and processing a order using a touch screen drive-through system for both deaf and hearing people, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) manipulating by a customer of a touch screen interface with selective features; (b) choosing by the customer between a touch screen function and an audio function;

(c) choosing by the customer of a language preference;

(d) selecting by the customer of at least one food choice from a menu; (e) confirming by the customer of a selective order to end a selective transaction;

(f) transmitting said order to at least one kitchen facility employee ; and

(g) filling said order by said kitchen facility employee.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein step (d) includes choosing from a welcoming screen at least one screen icon, said screen icon corresponding to a menu selection screen, said screen icon being selected from the group consisting of a meal icon, a drink icon, a side order icon, and a dessert icon.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein step (e) includes selecting an order confirmation icon, said order confirmation icon corresponding to an order confirmation screen, said order confirmation screen including: a list of said at least one choice selected from the menu; at least one payment option icon; and a return icon for returning to said menu selection screen for correction.

10. The method according to claim 7, further comprising a step of offering the customer an opportunity to donate to a charity.

11. A touch screen system for drive-through restaurants, comprising:

(a) a touch screen terminal adapted for use by a customer, said touch screen terminal including a plurality of screen embodied icons adapted to clickably generate signals, said signals including signals corresponding to the selection of food items by the customer and signals for confirming an order, said touch screen terminal further including software means for allowing said selections to be made in a plurality of languages;

(b) at least one transaction terminal for receiving said signals and for processing said signals as order input information indicative of purchases of said food items by the customer;

(c) an interface for electrically coupling together said touch screen terminal and said transaction terminal to enable said transaction terminal to receive said icon signals;

(d) a source of power for powering said system; and, (e) a means for processing said icon generated signals including means for identifying the selections made, the price thereof, and for calculating a total charge for said selections for display to the customer.

12. The touch screen system for drive-throughs of claim 11, wherein said system further comprises an audio communication system for facilitating communication between franchise personnel and the customer, said audio communication system including a speaker, said audio communication system being located proximate said touch screen terminal .

13. The touch screen system for drive-throughs of claim 12, wherein said touch screen system further comprises a housing for housing said touch screen terminal and for mounting said terminal in proper orientation to enable the customer to view transaction information displayed on said terminal .

14. The touch screen system for drive-throughs of claim 13, wherein said touch screen system further comprises means for receiving and reading a credit card and means for transmitting customer account information stored on the credit card.

15. The touch screen system for drive-throughs of claim 14, wherein said means for receiving and reading a credit card includes a slot card reader and keypad.

16. The touch screen system for drive-throughs of claim 14, wherein said touch screen system further comprises a menu board.

17. The touch screen system for drive-throughs of claim 16, wherein said system further comprises a section of road for allowing a vehicle to motor to a point adjacent said at least one touch screen terminal .